Byron Bay Writers' Festival

The Byron Bay Writers' Festival began in 1997, when a small group of locals led by Chris Hanley wondered whether authors might accept an invitation to spend a winter's weekend in Byron Bay. They did, and an audience of two hundred locals enjoyed a gathering of fifty Australian writers.

Since then, the Byron Bay Writers' Festival has grown from a single venue event to fill four huge marquees and venues around town and sells 45,000 individual tickets. The guest list now numbers more than one hundred and over the years the most significant and respected contemporary Australian writers have participated through lectures, lunches, panels, conversations, launches and readings.

The Byron Bay Writers' Festival is organised by the staff and Committee of the Northern Rivers Writers' Centre, a member based organisation receiving core funding from Arts NSW. It is usually held for three days in early August.

Bryon Bay Writers' Festival Program

3 days, 5 marquees, 140 writers, 90 panels, workshops, literary lunches, launches, a bounteous food village, a book store bristling with stock, big names, new voices: the world of words and big ideas combine for a home grown community Festival with national significance and universal appeal.

The focus of the program is firmly on Australian writing, with recognition of our physical place in the world through the inclusion of Indonesian and Asian authors. The Byron Bay Writers' Festival enjoys a close relationship with the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival and believes that through words and ideas, bridges are formed that cross cultures and schisms.

Fundamentally, the Festival provides a forum for intelligent discussion and guests are invited to address the issues that matter to them as writers and which necessarily concern us all. It is a celebration of the vitality of thought and creativity with a healthy emphasis on fun.

The annual Byron Bay Writers Festival celebrates the longevity of the book: despite the harbingers of doom and demise, readers are still hooked on books and the literary festival scene enjoying unprecedented popularity.

Byron Bay Writers Festival Accommodation

We have a huge range of Byron Bay accommodation for you to choose from. Very popular and close to the beach and town are Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach, Byron Bay centre and Suffolk Park. There are some lovely towns very close by with some stylish budget options, including Ballina, Lennox Head, Bangalow and other surrounding areas. Contact Byron Bay Accom for the best accommodation options to suit your budget.

Budget Accommodation for Byron Bay Writers Festival

Byron Bay will be happy to assist you with the best budget options in Byron Bay for a clean, comfortable and peaceful stay during the Writer’s festival. There are plenty of budget options for backpackers and budget conscious travellers. You can choose from simple motels and guesthouses. Budget accommodation ranges from $80 per night up to $200.

Mid-Range Accommodation for Byron Bay Writers Festival

Travellers looking for a bit of extra features like room service and a swimming pool can choose to stay in a mid-range hotel or resort. Modern apartments and studios are a good option for a home-like stay with family and friends in Byron Bay. You can cook your own meals in the apartment’s kitchen and save money on food expenses. Mid-range accommodation options are available from $200 onwards.

Luxury Accommodation for Byron Bay Writers Festival

How about having a private Byron Bay beach house all by yourself loaded with luxury features and amenities? Beach houses and private villas in Byron Bay have stunning views of the ocean or lush greenery, perfect for an extended holiday after the Writer’s Festival. We also have a range of boutique resorts that offer stylish accommodation along with contemporary luxuries. Luxury accommodation options in Byron Bay range from $350 up to $600.